Hello there, My name is Abu and I am new to motorhomes. While doing an internet search for an older but decent condition motorhome I found a 1973 MCI for sale. The owner is a claims to be a mechanic and he owns it for 8 years. He bought it from Greyhound where he used to work. He is being telling me that the bus is mechanically in a good shape. I am planning for a trip to FL US from Alberta Canada this summer. Can anyone of you please guide me what to look for in the bus to make sure it is a dependable bus. I have attached couple of pictures that I got from the owner. Following are some of the details;1) 1973 (no info about mileage);2) Windshield is cracked and need replacement to pass insurance test;3) Burns oil while running (4/5 L from CA-USA to Vancouver- Canada)4) 8V71 engine;5) No AC 6) 4SP manual transmission;

Do you guys think its too old to be a trust worthy bus? I look forward to your mentoring to help me buy this bus. This bus is several hours drive from my place and I only planning to make a trip only if I know the trip worth it.

Hi Abu and welcome to the forum. Where is the bus located? Perhaps there is a bus nut close by who can look at it for you. If nothing else please find a bus mechanic to have a look at it. The age itself is not a problem if it was maintained. Enjoy the ride.

Frank

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The MCI has landed..... We are home.Dale City Va. Just a southern suburb of DCYes I am a BUSNUT1976 MCI MC8

Welcome: Would get one of the bus guys involved here. Very rare Greyhound would have a bus that vintage around 10 yrs ago. Might check over at Busnuts online web site also. That trip is a long one and allot of very hot humid weather in the summer. Very high hummidity in the south east USA. Prob figure fuel about 7mpg average. Check tire mfg date. They could look great but could be getting really old. Pretty well done at 10 years or sooner no matter how good they look. Close to $500 each to replace. Did't say run the other way-- just have it checked out. 2nd opinion. A buck now can save you thousands later. Bob

The one picture looks pretty straight. Adding oil can be just a normal part of these big beasts, however a worn engine can get expensive. Once you get behind the wheel of a bus like that you'll be hooked no matter the details. The addiction has no cure... so be careful.

With a few more details on engine condition, tires, brakes, etc, we could all give you our opinions on the price/value of the bus.

What is it like inside? Is it fully converted? Does it have batteries/inverter? Tanks?

Dave

« Last Edit: February 18, 2013, 05:12:05 AM by Tikvah »

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I couldn't repair my brakes, so I made my horn louder.1989 MCI-102 A3DD 6V92 Turbo, AlisonTons of stuff to learn!Started in Cheboygan, Michigan (near the Mackinaw Bridge). Now home is anywhere we park

Several things come to mind. Even if the bus is truly dependable, stuff happens. A coach with that age can be a good one. It all depends if it spent it's life in the north, salt roads. Then I would run away fast.

A manual 4 speed is no big deal until you get to my age, then the left knee can feel it's age from double clutching. Our Eagle had a manual 4 speed and I just change it to an Allison 740 automatic. Now it is a pleasure to drive. The change over cost some bucks. Buy a coach with it already done. It will save you in the long run.

Ours also has an 8V71N. Not the most powerful and quickest going up hills, but we make it. I also replaced the old engine with a fresher one and mated it to the Allison. It was a lot of work, but enjoyed it.

If you aren't mechanically inclined, the labor on working on one can beat you up.

Look at a lot of coaches before you buy. Get educated on the different makes and models. Learn the history on where it came from and get a qualified mechanic to look at with you.

Whatever you do, once you buy one, you are hooked forever. It is a fun hobby that will take you on a journey that is worthwhile. Besides, you get to meet the best folk in the world along the way.

nice looking MC5A. (Ed, looks to me like a 5A with the bullet clearance lights). The body is in nice shape. You need to look for rust on the frame under the stainless skin. 4/5 L oil from California to Vancouver is not excessive. It could be a good bus, as long as the price is right. Are you willing/able to do your own maintenance and repairs? There will be lots, even if the bus is in good shape now. I will be in Calgary this week or next. Let me know if you want me to look at it. Contact info in my profile.

If you are serious about buying this bus Abu then take JC up on his offer to look at the bus. I can't think of anyone else close by who will do any better. I can think of one other guy in Calgary but his experience is with newer units.

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R.J.(Bob) EvansUsed to be 1981 Prevost 8-92, 10 spdCurrently busless (and not looking)My websiteOur weblogSimply growing older is not the same as living.

Welcome Abu, look for rust hi & low, then look.again, the surge tank support at the very top of the fan box compartment above engine compartment if it is rusted out, thatt is a bad sign, look for aged rubber hoses and belts, search on this site for how to read DOT tire age date, rubber in engine and tires will be expensive, you may have to replace some just to bring home in order not to get stranded, latches for baggage door locks are not stainless steel, look to see if rusted out, also a bad sign, if at all possible. Bringing along, an experienced busnut it is your best hedge against falling in luv with an old girl with a terminal illness, lvmci...